SAGAY, Camiguin (PIA)–Prioritizing the holistic development of the youth, the Provincial Government of Camiguin, under the leadership of Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo, initiated the Youth Care Program in Sagay on November 22.
This program addressed critical issues such as mental health, adolescent sexuality, child abuse protection, youth delinquency, and child rights based on findings from the 2016 National Baseline Study on Violence Against Children by the Council for the Welfare of Children.
The study revealed that 3 in 5 children experienced physical violence, with corporal punishment by parents and siblings being the most common form.
Psychological violence, both at home (38.1%) and in school (32.9%), including verbal abuse, threats, and neglect, remains a significant concern. Along with cyber and peer violence, 1 in 5 children also experienced sexual assault, frequently by brothers or cousins.
The program also emphasized online safety for kids, offering valuable tips such as avoiding the disclosure of personal information, using screen names, and reporting any uncomfortable online interactions to trusted adults.
Furthermore, the initiative shed light on signs of child abuse and provided a list of avenues where help can be sought, including Violence Against Women and Children Desks, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices, and Women and Child Protection Desks.
For her part, Dr. Zeneth Dumangcas addressed adolescent sexuality, warning about the consequences of early pregnancy, including anemia, infections, school dropout, poverty, and abuse.
She also highlighted preventive measures against HIV acquisition, encouraging testing, safe sex practices, and consultation with experts through post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
The program further underscored the importance of mental health, offering practical tips for preventing depression through effective time management, enjoyable activities, proper sleep, and physical activity.
“As youth, dili dapat ta ma-involve sa mga bullying or a situation that may hurt people’s lives or cause pain. As youth, kailangan jud ta magtinabanga, help each other, inspire each other, and love each other, kasi [As youth, we should not be involved in bullying or a situation that may hurt people’s lives or cause pain. As youth, we need to help each other, help each other, inspire each other, and love each other because] we should inspire and encourage them to reach their goals and dreams in life,” said Kimberly Fate Bacharpa, a Grade 11 student.
This initiative aims not only to address immediate issues but also to create a supportive environment for the flourishing youth of Camiguin. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
To address immediate issues and also to create a supportive environment for the flourishing youth, the Camiguin Provincial Government of Camiguin initiated the Youth Care Program in Sagay on November 22, 2023. (JME/PIA-10/Camiguin)
